thunder bugs

Yes, the thunder bugs have been about all week here, though fortunately in small numbers. There is one crawling across my screen as I type.
So far I have been able to tolerate them, but there are usually a couple of weeks in early July when I have to stay indoors because of them.
I didn't know they existed until we moved to Northamptonshire when I was in my mid 20s!

Loads of ladybirds in my garden, though not in actual swarms yet.

I have watched them go through a full life cycle this year, as first the ladybirds laid their eggs, from which the alien-looking larvae hatched about a week later, then after feeding well on the aphids on my cherry tree (i think that lasted another week), they latched onto the leaves and many have now developed into ladybirds.
It won't be long before they repeat the cycle.

Oldnproud,
I only see them when thunder is due, so I guess
one thunderbug does not a storm predict,
any more than one swallow does not a summer make
do swallows eat ladybirds though? these birds are high,
I don’t want them feasting on ladybird, which we need
for gorging on aphids

I’m looking for hopeful signs really, that this weather
will soon break
it’s been costly too, not only increase in fuel costs,
black out blinds, fans, freezers,
but extra bottled water and other drinks, ice cream
(Mackies on offer atm) and more Magnums than one
could shake a stick at - no wonder I’m feeling queasy.

The sky here is clearing a little, cloud not so dense.

In north west Wales We have a few ladybirds no swallows and a few house martins but not nearly as many as we used to

Haven’t seen any thunderbugs yet here in Essex, perhaps it’s a bit early for them.
But I did have a daddy-long-legs in the house yesterday evening!

No not yet, think it’s about a month early tho the heat may bring them out.

I've never heard of them.
What are they?

I've never heard of Thunderbugs...what do they look like..we have quite a few swallows, they've been around for weeks .

Never heard of thunder bugs.
I know what Ladybirds are, but haven’t seen any recently.

Thunder bugs (or thunderflies) are tiny, slender insects (thrips) that measure about 1 to 2 mm in length. They often swarm on warm, dry, and humid summer days before a thunderstorm because the drop in atmospheric pressure triggers their mass flights. They are harmless to humans but can damage plants

Oooh Thrips. Corn Thrips when we lived in Herts and were surrounded by fields, they would first swarm once the hay had been cut. Due to their tiny frames, they could squeeze into any space. Impossible to keep them outside. Teacups and crockery had to be checked before use, they'd be all over the windows when it was hot and just as often all over me! They were not the nuisance that ants are and didn't bite in the way that here in France, the dreaded Aoutats can. Ladybirds are very pretty but if you've ever been bitten by one - they appear to be equipped with a full set of dentures so it can really hurt!!

Our Swallows returned in early May and 5 babies have recently fledged. They now spend their days chasing around the skies and swooping into our pool all evening. After seeing their struggle for an entire day in searing heat, we built a small wooden platform for another pair who have just started nest-building but were failing to make the building materials stick to modern paintwork. They're now half way through constructing the most wonderful nest - a work of art - and should be sitting on eggs fairly soon. We love them and feel so privileged to live close to them for many months but it's sad when they set off on their incredible journey across the desert and down to South Africa.

Oh how lovely to be able to watch them going about their lives.
It's a real treat!

We think so too, Miss A. Here's a glimpse of the first little family all squished together and ready to follow their Mum

Oh thank you!
They certainly are squished.
It all looks pretty orderly, though.

Nature is so clever and complex, amd we miss most of it, going about our days.

Saw a July bug, Cockchafer this evening. Haven’t seen any for years.